Monday, October 27, 2014

The Bangkok Post reports that Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek left the ring in a K-1 Max championship fight before the deciding, fourth round, forfeiting his chance to claim a third K-1 Max championship.

Buakaw became disqualified from the championship fight against Germany’s Enriko Kehl when he did not appear for the “sudden death” round that the judges ordered after ruling the three-round match a draw; Kehl was crowned the 70-kilogramme division champion.

According to the Bangkok Post, speculations over the reasons behind Buakaw’s forfeit include accusations of the fight being rigged against Buakaw to affect the desired outcome in an international gambling ring, and alleged disputes over a last-minute rule change that may have also disadvantaged Buakaw.